The most appealing aspect of the 2010 Kia Sedona is its compelling value. While it lacks the brand name pizzaz of the segment leaders from Honda and Toyota, it offers much of the same features, safety and comfort but with a substantially smaller price tag. Toss in its quiet interior, comfortable drive and excellent warranty, and you've got a minivan worthy of some serious consideration.
Even the Sedona's base model (approx. $22,200) comes well-equipped with standard features comparable to strong rivals such as the Toyota Sienna (approx. $24,500) and Honda Odyssey (approx. $26,800). And for those who want more bells and whistles, the Sedona EX provides them ... and again at a price significantly below similarly equipped rivals.
And with its topnotch crash safety ratings and extra long 10 year/100,000 mile warranty on powertrain components, the Sedona's appeal as a value play strengthens even further.
Of course, the 2010 Sedona does have some faults. It lacks some of the seating versatility of the top competitors and some of the cabin materials are of lesser quality. Again, it all comes down to the value an individual places on these factors.
New for the 2010 model year, the Sedona EX now comes standard with a rearview camera, while both the LX and EX models come standard with rear parking sensors. In addition, the V6 engine's horsepower has been reduced by 6 but gas mileage has been improved by 1 mpg in both city and combined driving.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Kia Sedona is a 7-passenger minivan available in two lengths and three trims. The base model has a short-wheelbase (SWB), while the LX and EX trims are long-wheelbase (LWB). The SWB is equiiped with a 50/50-split removable third-row seat, while the LWB comes with a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row bench.
Standard features on both the base and LX models include air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, second-row captain's chairs, 16-inch steel wheels, a fold-down table between the front seats and a CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and a USB/auxiliary audio input jack. In addition, the LX comes with standard ultrasonic rear parking assist.
Moving up to the Sedona EX adds dual power-sliding doors, power front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, heated exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power rear quarter windows, a roof rack, a trip computer and an upgraded 8-speaker audio system.
The dual power-sliding side doors and rearview camera are optional on the LX. And there's also an optional Luxury package for the EX which includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, driver memory functions, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic climate control and a multifunction steering wheel.
A DVD entertainment system featuring an 8-inch flip-down monitor and a 13-speaker Infinity surround-sound system are optionable on the LX and EX. And EX models equipped with the Luxury package and DVD system are also eligible for a navigation system.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the front-wheel-drive 2010 Sedona is a competent 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 244 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. It's capable of taking the Sedona from a standstill to 60 mpg in a class-respectable 9 seconds and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 2010 model comes in at 17 mpg city, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in combined driving.
Safety:
Standard safety features on the 2010 Kia Sedona include stability control, antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
The Sedona also excelled in government crash testing, earning the highest possible rating of five stars in all frontal and side-impact occupant protection categories.
Interior:
The 2010 Sedona's cabin is fairly simply designed but attractive and solidly constructed. The materials quality is good for the most part, but there are several trim accent pieces and switches that are of poorer quality and do not match the otherwise quite positive impression of the interior. Displays, controls and gauges are well-positioned and easy to see and use, however, the manual climate control system takes some getting used to.
The seats in both the SWB and LWB models are comfortable and supportive. The long-wheelbase LX and EX models are especially roomy when it comes to legroom and headroom in all rows. And with many mini cargo compartments spread throughout the cabin, small items are easily stored.
For larger storage needs, either the second-row seatbacks can be folded down or the seats completely removed. In the LWB models, the 60/40-split third-row seat folds into the floor, allowing for a huge 142 cubic feet of storage capacity. By removing the 50/50-split third-row seat in the SWB model (they are fairly heavy, however), storage room is still a very useful 121 cubic feet.
Drive:
The 2010 Kia Sedona's capable V6 engine provides plenty of power whether driving around town or hauling a trailer. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and while handling expectations for most minivans aren't very high, the Sedona is as good or better than all but the impressive-handling Honda Odyssey. The cabin also remains surprisingly quiet when cruising down the highway. Overall, most drivers will be more than satisfied with the Sedona's capable and confident road manners.
How To Get The Lowest Price:
Best Negotiating Tactic: Well, there's definitely a 'best way' when it comes to new car buying. If you want to get the best bottomline, out-the-door price you need to know exactly who to talk to at the dealership, how to make the contact and how to make this person eager to quickly drop prices as low as possible to get your sale.
Those of you in the market for a used car may want to check out this article about how to buy a used car at the lowest price. It details a super effective buying method, one that often beats down prices to wholesale levels.
And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try Repossessed Bank Cars And Government Auto Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Prices:
2010 Kia Sedona:
Base, SWB: list price: $22,195, invoice price: $21,760
LX, LWB: list price: $24,195, invoice price: $23,490
Ex, LWB: list price: $28,695, invoice price: $26,820
